Lagos State Government Don Scatter 17 Buildings Wey Block Ikota River Path

Lagos State Government don show no mercy as dem demolish 17 buildings for Ikota, Lekki area. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, lead the operation himself, say many people don dey suffer flood because some landlords dey build for where river suppose pass. He talk say government don warn tire, but as dem no gree move, bulldozer don do the final talking.

According to Wahab, most of the buildings wey dem pull down no get any government approval. “We no dey happy to demolish anybody property, but when you build for waterway, na you dey invite disaster,” he talk. He add say the demolition na part of the Renewed Hope environmental cleanup project to make Lagos flood-free.

Wahab talk say the state don mark many other buildings across Lekki, Ikota and Jakande wey also block waterways. “Anybody wey still dey sleep on top illegal structure go soon wake up to bulldozer sound,” he warn.

Flood Wahala Don Too Much — Lagos State Government Say Time Don Reach To Restore Order

The Lagos State Government explain say the main reason why flood dey disturb Lekki and Ajah areas be say people don dey build on wetlands and drainage routes. Engineers from the Ministry of Environment talk say water no dey see road again because of how people take block the natural channel with house, fence and shops.

“Before, Ikota River dey flow well enter Lagoon. But now, developers don block am finish,” one of the engineers talk. “The result na say small rain go fall, everywhere go turn swimming pool.” He say the demolition go free the river path and restore proper drainage.

Residents for the area clap for the move, say dem don suffer too much from flood wahala. One woman wey her house near Ikota Bridge talk say she don pack like three times because water go always enter her parlor. “If to say government do this thing since, many people for no lose their property,” she talk.

Some Property Owners Beg Lagos State Government For Mercy, Say Na Agents Mislead Dem

Some landlords wey their houses fall under the demolition cry say dem no know the land belong to government or river path. One Mr. Eze talk say, “Na developer sell the land give me. E show me approved papers, I no know say na fake.” But the Commissioner reply say anybody wey buy land must confirm from the Ministry before building.

LASG talk say ignorance no be excuse, because government don dey announce and publish list of restricted areas since 2019. The officials say dem go continue the demolition until Lagos waterways free from blockage. “We no fit dey rescue people every rainy season again,” Wahab stress.

Many Lagosians don hail the demolition move, say e go bring small peace of mind to Lekki residents. But some human rights people dey beg government make dem combine the demolition with proper housing plan so that affected people no go end up homeless.